Saving Animals from Extinction

Friday, May 15, 2015

by Lincoln Park Zoo

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Posts from the President

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Everyone who loves animals wants to save them from extinction. But zoos are in a unique position to actually do it.

Today, as we observe the 10th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, I’m thrilled to announce that 226 accredited zoos and aquariums throughout North America are banding together to do just that. Under the leadership of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we’re announcing a new initiative dedicated to Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE).

How’s it going to work? Well, over the past two years, leaders in the zoo and aquarium community have gotten together to identify more than 100 species that demand our aid. We’re talking about species that are facing the greatest threats, those that are critical to maintaining overall ecosystems—and those where zoos and aquariums have the unique conservation and scientific knowledge available to help save them.

Among this group, we’ve decided to focus on 10 to start: African penguins, cheetahs, sharks and rays, western pond turtles, sea turtles, vaquitas, Asian elephants, black rhinoceroses, gorillas and whooping cranes. Our goal is to create a united front, working with our visitors, supporters and partners to help protect habitats, eliminate threats and restore populations to sustainable levels in the wild. We plan to add 10 species to SAFE every year over the next decade, building up to an amazing outpouring of support for conservation.

He’s not yet 2, but King, the zoo’s eastern black rhinoceros male calf, already tips the scale at well over 1,000 pounds.

Of course, zoos are doing a lot already. In Chicago alone, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and Shedd Aquarium are caring for 115 threatened and endangered species. We support 91 conservation programs around the globe and introduce 7.4 million people annually to the wonders of wildlife—and the need to conserve it. All told, AZA institutions together manage more than 3,000 conservation projects across 127 countries and invest $160 million a year in field conservation.